Gunstock Mountain is an awesome ski destination in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It features incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee Range and even Mount Washington. If you are looking for some fantastic views in a quick ascent, this is a great option.
Distance: 2.2 Miles Round Trip (1.77 km)
Height: 2,245 feet (684 meters)
Elevation Gain: 1,140 feet (347 meters)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Trails
Gunstock Mountain Trail – 2.2 Miles round Trip – 1,148 Feet Elevation Gain
There are various ways to summit Gunstock, but the most popular and direct route to the summit is the Gunstock Mountain Trail located on Carriage Road in Gilford.
The Gunstock Mountain trail trailhead is located off of Carriage Road in Gilford (directions below), while the brook trail is located at Gunstock Mountain Ski Resort Parking lot.
Other routes include the Brook Trail, the overlook trail, and the ridge trail from Mount Rowe.
Brook Trail – 3.2 Miles Round Trip – 1,270 Feet Elevation Gain
This route begins at the Gunstock Mountain ski area parking and heads up near ski trails and does cross a few. This is an awesome route that features views on the way up, as well as at the summit.
Trail Map
Download Full Map Here:
Alternate Routes
Hikers may also choose to hike Mount Rowe with Gunstock in a 4.7 mile loops.
Directions
To Gunstock Mountain Trailhead
To Brook Trail
Weather Forecast
Laconia, NH
This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 8pm and 9pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday
A chance of rain showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Scattered rain showers after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday
A chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night
A chance of rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday
A chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Photos Courtesy of Gunnar Stecher
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about